When the weather is mild and the nights are clear, it's the perfect time to entertain. If you are concerned about keeping things as environmentally friendly as possible, even when outdoor entertaining, follow these tips for green party planning. Thinking green before, during and after the party will ensure that you and your guests are being kind to the earth.
The first thing to think about during the party-planning phase of green outdoor entertaining is the decorations and atmosphere. Choose environmentally friendly decorations that will beautify your outdoor space and also serve as party favors for guests to take home. Try using fresh cut flowers from your bed or potted plants as centerpieces. Purchase glass bowls from the thrift store and fill them with any combination of apples, oranges, lemons and limes. Use large branches from landscape trimmings as fantastic decorations by placing them upright in buckets or containers of gravel for dramatic outdoor entertaining decorations.
Lighting for evening outdoor entertaining can be eco-friendly as well when you use solar lights, candles in lanterns or tiki torches to light up the night. The soft glow of these lights will set a soft and comfortable mood for the party. If you must use light bulbs, make sure they are the compact fluorescent kind, which are the most environmentally friendly kind of bulbs.
When it comes to food, your green outdoor party can support local farmers and producers by using local produce, cheese and meats. Local foods use fewer resources in shipping, processing and packaging and your patronage supports your community. When party planning, choose finger foods and recipes that require as few utensils, plates and bowls as possible. When it comes to choosing table wear, use what you have and avoid paper plates and plastic utensils. If you have to use disposable items, never use Styrofoam or plastic. Choose paper plates and biodegradable cups and utensils.
Eliminate party waste when the fun times are through. Set up a container for food scraps that can be added to your compost pile and set out recycle canisters so guests can put their used items in the appropriate receptacle. Send leftovers home with guests so that nothing will go to waste and be proud that your outdoor party was environmentally responsible.
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